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Topic Review (Newest First)

11-21-2012 09:39 AM

KB007

I answered because I am lonely - but that is not entirely true. When I got both of my dogs I was in a LTR, but have now been single for a few years. However, even though I do get lonely at times now I CANNOT even imagine how I would feel if not for these two. I do not know what the future holds in terms of SO or kids...but do know that there will ALWAYS be a GSD in my life!

11-17-2012 11:29 PM

Glacier

I just like dogs. No loneliness or place holders, I've just wanted a dog since I was a kid.

11-17-2012 10:28 PM

Debbieg

I have had dogs most of my life; as a child, single person, married and raising 4 kids and now with grown kids and a grandchild. Dogs were never a substitute for children, spouse or friends. I just love dogs and a having a relationship with them makes my life more complete.

11-17-2012 01:45 PM

Emoore

I don't want children. I do want dogs. They're not placeholders until I have kids or because I don't have them. They are my preference. I live alone with my dogs, but I don't have them because I am lonely. I'm not lonely. I am happy living alone with my dogs.

11-17-2012 12:50 PM

Jo Ellen

I've had dogs on and off throughout my life, but never had a relationship with a dog until my son moved out of our home and on with his life. Empty nest was very difficult for me. That's when I got my first "real" dog and it does help very much.

So I answered I have dogs because I am lonely. But that doesn't really fit. I have dogs so I can continue to be a "mom" in some respect, I need that nurturing activity in my life. I'm really not lonely at all. I'm single and I'm happy, but I do need my dog(s).

11-17-2012 01:55 AM

gmcwife1

We've had kids longer than we've had dogs. We still have a child and dogs at home with us

11-14-2012 10:02 AM

Misty Creek

I have kids and dogs! Part of what I enjoy with my dogs is having another "adult" around during the day.

11-14-2012 06:54 AM

Good_Karma

My husband and I don't have children, but that is not why we have dogs. I have wanted a dog all my life, but was not allowed to have one when I was a kid, and then I met my husband in college and we waited until we were settled and okay financially before we finally got dogs not quite four years ago. I had to wait a long time (I was 33 when I got my first dog lol), but a childhood dream has finally been fulfilled.

11-14-2012 01:08 AM

julie87

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparra

My husband grew up in a pet free home. He, like me, was raised on the land but they just never had any animals.....just grain.
Well he got a rude shock marrying me We have a menagerie now AND run sheep on our grain farm......he loves it and admits he missed out a bit growing up without the joy of animals.

You and me both! I grew up with animals but my husband didn't. He was agains any pet in the house,well after being married for a month I made him get a cat, then after 3 years got our first GSD and now after we move into a house will get a second dog. He said he never knew how much love he can have for an animal. Pets bring us joy

11-13-2012 12:12 PM

ozzymama

Yes, I had dogs to fill a void in my life. There were times throughout my life I lied to myself and said I hated kids, dogs were it for me. I have a child, she is my whole life, I have 2 dogs, right now shedding and muddy paws are the other pat of my life. My dogs were there when relationships didn't work out (well Sandi, Oz has only been through one break-up), they were the fur I cried into, the support that kept me moving. Now they are dogs, they can get dirty, they can make messes, they can lay outside all day if they want, they can be dogs. I will admit, at one time, mine were an emotional crutch.
Having said that, I did grow up with dogs, I have always had or wanted them and probably always will. I love the relationships I have and have had with my animals, I want DD to experience the same, I think they enrich your life, they make a house a home, but it took a lot of healing and personal development to get to the place I am now.

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